The Danish Defense Intelligence Agency believes that the Chinese military takes advantage of scientific research to reach the North Pole.

In its annual threat assessment report published on November 29, the Danish Defense Intelligence Agency (FE) warned China to step up research expeditions in the Arctic with a "dual goal". between military operations and scientific research.

Lars Findsen, head of FE, said the Chinese military was increasingly interested in the Arctic research activities, calling it a "new move" by Beijing. However, he did not specify which Arctic expeditions the Chinese military had participated in.

"This could be part of China's strategy to gain knowledge, enhance operational capabilities in the Arctic in the form of a combination of civilian and military forces," the FE report said.

In addition, FE warned of geopolitical confrontations between the United States, China and Russia that escalate tensions in the Arctic.

The Danish government desires to maintain the Arctic as an area of international cooperation and to resolve any issues arising through negotiations between the countries concerned. However, it is difficult for Denmark to achieve this goal as Russia continues to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic, according to the FE.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in May accused Russia of provocative action in the Arctic and needed to closely monitor China's movements. US President Donald Trump offered to buy Denmark's Greenland, but Copenhagen immediately rejected Trump's offer.

China, meanwhile, calls itself a "subarctic nation" and has ambitions to access untapped resources in the region. In 2017, Beijing introduced the Arctic sea route to its Belt and Road Initiative.